Despite the inflationary context, the French have not given up their passion for ice cream in 2023. The market recorded a record turnover reaching 1,5 billion euros, i.e. a growth of 7,4% compared to the previous year despite a slight decline in sales volume. Overview of market trends thanks to the latest study from the Association of Ice Cream Companies.
With 24,4 million consumer households, the ICES, pleasure product driving the innovation dynamic of FMCG with nearly 58 million euros generated by new products, constantly reinventing itself for all tastes and in all formats. Result : the category has added 600,000 new ice cream lovers since 2021. Linked to consumption habits, nomadic formats continue to appeal. So, sticks remain the leading segment of the market, representing 26,6% of turnover. In 2023, 53,3% of French people bought them during the year, followed by cones and bins. Among the major trends in the category, mini formats are booming with the strongest growth of the season (+11,4% in value and +15,2% by volume). These small formats thus gain 0,3 points of market share in value in 2023 to reach 10,3% market share and ranking as consumers’ fourth favorite format. An evolution which will continue in 2024 with the launch of numerous innovations in mini version.
The importance of a balanced shelf offering
If supermarkets still remain the leading distribution channel in terms of PDM value in the ice cream sector, these are the SDMPs (supermarkets predominantly own brands) which record the strongest growth in 2023 (+2,3 points, or 13,6% of PDM). While all circuits have rationalized offers in response to inflation, SDMP brands have increased the number of ice cream references by 14% on average. Develop the on-shelf offering, by optimizing the references offered between MDD and national brands, as well as between bestsellers and new releases, would ensure dynamic growth in the department. According to Nielsen estimates, an optimization of +1% in the sweet frozen section of hypermarkets would have an impact of +5% on turnover.
Seasonal adjustment of ice cream consumption
Since its creation, the Association of Ice Cream Companies and its members are working in favor of seasonal adjustment of ice cream consumption in mainland France, a pleasure product that can be enjoyed all year round. With increasingly unpredictable weather effects, manufacturers are developing collections designed to fill the frozen sections and meet consumer expectations, whatever the season. Sweet frozen food continues to stand out as one of the most innovative sections in the FMCG-FLS sector*, with a record number of 72 innovations launched in 2023, generating 2,4% you CA. So, the months of September and October 2023 saw, in a city, a jump in ice cream sales — with a peak at +36,3% sales as of October 1 (over one year) — supported by an “Indian summer” effect. Frozen logs also enjoyed significant success at the end of the year, with sales growth of 11,7% at the end of December compared to December 2022.
* Consumer product – fees and self-service.
The innovations that will make a splash in 2024
Focus on the seven major trends of the season.
ULTRA-GOURMANDISE
Chocolat, caramel and vanilla combine with speculoos, with marshmallow or cookies for intense combinations that will please young and old.
THE DUO OF HONEY AND ICE CREAM
In 2024, honey combines with our favorite flavors for a frozen moment
with incomparable sweetness in stick or Sundae format.
FRUIT SALAD
Taste buds travel to 2024 with aromas full of sunshine. Blueberry, date, citron, raspberry…
LITTLE PLEASURES
In cone, in a bite or jar, at the coffee shop, with fruit or caramel : miniatures are available for all tastes.
THE SWEET LIFE
Il gelato italiano remains in the spotlight this year. With its Italian ice creams or even stracciatella, Italy has not finished making us dream…
CRAZY PASTRY
The trend is towards gluttony, with ice creams inspired by pastries.
Chocolate and vanilla reinvent themselves macaroon style, cheesecake, with pieces of speculoos or decorated with sugar sprinkles and sparkling candies…
NATURALITY
Ice cream manufacturers are reinventing their products with ingredients
local and more natural recipes. French cream and milk, yogurt ice cream, vegan and vegan options :
a frozen evolution towards greater simplicity and environmental responsibility.
